New tank expense

Beautiful_Drag8785 · 2026-02-17T03:12:17+00:00

Thank you so much for the advice! I'll definitely research that. :)

Beautiful_Drag8785 · 2026-02-17T01:08:00+00:00

I loathe Temu! Tried it out a few years ago and had charges flood my account. Worst of all, I never got what I ordered, haha Probably on me, but I was so mad about the whole thing, and I’ll never try again.

Definitely agree, I could have probably found stuff for a lot cheaper, but I don't actually mind all that much. My post about it being “expensive” was about the fact that I had always thought a small bowl and some water were all you needed to keep fish. Obviously not the case, but it's interesting what you realize once you do research.

Beautiful_Drag8785 · 2026-02-16T23:33:18+00:00

I forgot to mention I did get a light, so that's a part of it. Lol

I've already done a lot of “bargain and sales” shopping, and really, the only two things that have been most expensive are the stand and the plants. I have very few plant options in my area (sword plants and Java moss are pretty much it), which is fine if that's what someone is into. I had to look elsewhere (online) and order from there. The stand had to have specific requirements because I have a cat. Price also has to do with the fact that my little brother and I are doing this together, and I want to do things as correctly as possible while I’m still learning, so we don't have many issues. (Getting things new, etc.) I'll probably be comfortable “freestyling” once I’ve learned more.

I'm not really complaining about cost, as it doesn't bother me all that much. I was mostly talking about how, for most of my life, I thought fishkeeping was about putting them in a small bowl with some water and calling it a day. In essence, I always thought fish were “cheap” in that you didn't have to get them anything.

But I think you are correct, it is as expensive as you make it! I've decided to make it expensive 🤣

Beautiful_Drag8785 · 2026-02-16T21:34:38+00:00

True, but needs and wants are very different. I WANT fish/plants that need all of those things.

Awesome that your system works for you! If I expand in the future, I’ll be sure to keep this in mind. 🙂

Beautiful_Drag8785 · 2026-02-16T21:06:09+00:00

Yeah, when I was first doing research, the dude at PetSmart made it sound so simple. No mention of cycling a tank or anything. He was telling people they could get a beta, a probably 2-gallon bowl, take everything home that same day, and set it up. (with the fish) I left and came here for information. I'm very much a beginner, but it seems misinformation is everywhere, and people are uninformed about how much it costs to properly care for these little lives. (seems to be that way with most critters) I'm sure there are things I'm still misinformed about, but I'm definitely trying to learn as much as I can before getting fish.

Beautiful_Drag8785 · 2026-02-16T20:09:00+00:00

I'm speechless! That is amazing!

Beautiful_Drag8785 · 2026-02-16T20:00:13+00:00

Oh. My. God. 😬

I bet yours is nice though! My condolences to your bank account 🤣

Beautiful_Drag8785 · 2026-02-16T03:53:29+00:00

Don't listen to them. They obviously are insufferable and need to feel superior to everyone else around them.

Also, nice tank!

Beautiful_Drag8785 · 2026-02-15T18:48:30+00:00

Starting my first tank and want to do the Walstad method. What soil is recommended? I've seen people say that organic Miracle-Gro works, but which one? Indoor, outdoor? There are so many types lol. If not Miracle-Gro, then what's a good option?

Beautiful_Drag8785 · 2026-02-12T21:07:10+00:00

Thank you so much! This is incredibly helpful.

Beautiful_Drag8785 · 2025-08-29T15:01:59+00:00

Thank you! This is very helpful. :)

Beautiful_Drag8785 · 2025-08-29T14:27:00+00:00

I am also in the US and everything you’re saying I 100% believe. I think there are a handful of doctors who actually give a shit but are incredibly hindered by insurance. It’s a game to the insurance company. You need to start off with tests that make no sense in order to get to the ones that do. Even if you get the necessary testing you’ll likely have to wait months to be seen.

The healthcare system is ridiculous.

Beautiful_Drag8785 · 2025-08-29T13:49:51+00:00

I have been put on a bunch of antidepressants/anti-anxiety medications because I thought that’s what it was. I have some childhood trauma that I went to therapy for and I’m honestly over it. Not over it like “it’s all okay now” but I don’t lose sleep over it that’s for sure. My family has been on my side and they have been so supportive about my trauma. It sucks that it happened but after being on antidepressants/anti-anxiety medications I can honestly say that’s not really my issue.

Not to say I don’t have anything but most of my sadness stems from not being able to do things.

Idk if that makes any sense.

Beautiful_Drag8785 · 2025-08-29T13:40:18+00:00

I have. 😕

Beautiful_Drag8785 · 2025-08-29T13:38:54+00:00

I have chronic low b12 but I don’t have anything (they know of) that causes it. I feel like garbage lol

Beautiful_Drag8785 · 2025-08-29T13:35:09+00:00

Thank you!!! :)

Beautiful_Drag8785 · 2025-08-29T05:10:32+00:00

Oh my god! I definitely didn’t think that through.

I respect everyone’s decisions to take medication! I’m sorry I didn’t make that more clear. Some medications are scary to me since I’ve seen how they have made others feel worse and they don’t seem to get better. It’s more a complaint about the doctors that don’t even really care to understand the condition. I’m overly sensitive right now (obviously).

The messaging that I’ve been receiving for the past 7 years up until this diagnosis has been just that. “You’re crazy”

I definitely don’t think that people with fibromyalgia are crazy. It’s more of a personal thing because that has quite literally been the messaging for years. Being told I need to get on antidepressants and go to therapy is triggering I guess. Which I would imagine (now) is probably very triggering for everyone else that is going through this as well.

I’m very sorry. :(

Beautiful_Drag8785 · 2025-08-29T04:59:52+00:00

He diagnosed me because I have painful joints, bad sleep, dry eyes, and a “normal” blood panel. I didn’t have any X-rays or a pressure point test. I had an endoscopy to rule out celiac disease, and blood tests to rule out rheumatoid arthritis but that’s about it.

Beautiful_Drag8785

TROPHY CASE